Distribution, ecology, and threats assessment of 11 endemic frankincense tree taxa (Boswellia) in the Socotra Archipelago (Yemen)

A comprehensive assessment of 11 endemic frankincense tree taxa (Boswellia) in the Socotra Archipelago reveals that these culturally and economically significant species are under severe threat due to habitat fragmentation, overgrazing, and increasing climate extremes. The study, combining field surveys with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing, identified 17,253 trees across all taxa, with some species like Boswellia scopulorum facing critical endangerment, surviving in populations of fewer than a hundred individuals. While resin collection poses less immediate risk, natural regeneration is hindered by overgrazing and extreme weather events such as cyclones and droughts. The research updates the conservation status of these taxa, designating seven as endangered and four as critically endangered, while providing actionable recommendations to mitigate threats and guide future protection strategies for both local communities and global biodiversity efforts.

Maděra, P., Vahalík, P., Hamdiah, S., Hušková, K., Sekava, J., Attorre, F., La Montagna, D., De Sanctis, M., Netek, R., Bongers, F., Rivers, M., Šebesta, J., Amar, M., Keybani, S., Shanayeghen, M., & Van Damme, K. (2024). Distribution, ecology, and threats assessment of 11 endemic frankincense tree taxa (Boswellia) in the Socotra Archipelago (Yemen). Plants, People, Planet, 6(6), 1552–1571. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10563